SOIL HEALTH IN TURFGRASS SYSTEMS: MEASUREMENT, ASSESSMENT AND ENHANCEMENT

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: HATCH
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 1010240
• Project Start Date: Aug 9, 2016
• Project End Date: Jun 30, 2021
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
FORT COLLINS,CO 80523

Performing Department
Horticulture and Landscape Architecture

Non Technical Summary
Turfgrass is widely grown for golf courses, lawns, parks, athletic field, commercial grounds, cemeteries and highway right-of-ways. The most recent estimate of US land coverage suggests that 1.9% of the US is covered by these turf areas - of which home lawns is the largest component. Turfgrass is a major component of managed landscapes and provides many functional, recreational, commercial, and aesthetic benefits, which include supporting biodiversity, controlling erosion, reducing dust, dissipating solar heat, providing safety for athletic and improving quality of life. That said, the management of turfgrass is viewed by some as a waste of resources - water, fertilizer, energy, and labor. Turfgrass managers, owners of landscapes, and turfgrass researchers all have an interest in finding more economical, less energy intensive, and more environmentally sensitive ways of managing turf areas. The development of products and cultural practices that offer more sustainable ways of managing turf will benefit everyone who manages and uses turf areas in their daily lives, and can improve the image of managed turf in the eyes of the general public.An area of turf management that has not been considered by researchers - and has only recently began receiving more attention by those in the production agriculture community - is that of soil health management. In its simplest terms, this means managing soils (using natural and/or synthetic fertilizers, soil cultivation, and irrigation techniques) to improve the quality of the soil in which all plants grow. By treating the soil as a living system, and doing everything possible to improve and maintain its health, it appears that the health of the plants growing on a healthy soil will likewise be enhanced. One of the problems encountered in conducting research in the area of soil health is defining what a healthy soil is - and developing reliable, repeatable, easily used and economical tools for evaluating and measuring soil health. One test that appears to be quite reliable for measuring soil health is that which measures soil respiration - the release of carbon dioxide from the soil system. Just as humans and other animals release carbon dioxide as a part of everyday life, the living organisms in the soil (bacteria, fungi, small insects, etc.) similarly release carbon dioxide. Soils that are healthy and vibrant will support higher populations of these small microorganisms - and will release higher amounts of carbon dioxide than will a soil that has fewer organisms living in it (and could be considered a less healthy soil). The ability to evaluate and identify healthy and unhealthy soils - as evidenced by their higher respiration rates (carbon dioxide evolution) - can allow turf managers and home owners alike to implement management practices to improve the quality and health of the soils in their lawns and other parts of the landscape.The first goal of our research will be to identify those parameters or indicators of a healthy turf soil (in addition to soil respiration, as described above) - and to find ways of reliably measuring and defining those indicators. Once we feel comfortable with our abilty to identify healthy vs. unhealthy soils, we can then evaluate products and practices to improve soil health. Products might include natural organic fertilizers, compost and compost teas, humic acid soil amendments, and microbial soil inoculants. There are numerous products sold today that CLAIM to improve soil health - but their effectiveness has never been tested or confirmed. These products are often expensive to use, so it is important that consumers understand what their value might be when they are used on lawns and landscapes.Similar to testing products for their effects on soil health, we would like to compare the effects of traditional lawn/turf management practices (which rely on the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides) with natural/organic turf management practices. No research to this point in time has compared turf management programs and their effects on soil health - although claims are made that traditional lawn care is "bad" for soil health and natural/organic lawn care is "good" for soils. As with the testing of products discussed previously, organic/natural lawn care is expensive - so it is important that research be conducted to confirm (or deny) the claims that it is "better" for the environment and soils than the generally less-expensive traditional lawn/turf management programs.Finally, it is our goal to publicize the findings of our research via instruction of future turf and landscape managers at the university level, public Extension presentations, instruction to Master Gardeners who will work with the public, workshops and talks to professional turfgrass managers, and through our websites and blogs devoted to presenting horticultural information to the public.

Animal Health Component

60%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

20%

Applied

60%

Developmental

20%

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
102	2130	1060	100%

Knowledge Area
102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships;

Subject Of Investigation
2130 - Turf;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems);

Keywords

turfgrass

turf

lawn

soil health

organic

carbon

Goals / Objectives
Goal 1: Assess methods of quantifying and measuring soil health in turfgrass systems, and identify practical, cost-effective methods for determining soil health for the turfgrass practitionerObjectives:Conduct a literature review of the scientific knowledge regarding soil health assessment of urban (anthropogenic) soils - especially of managed turf systemsIdentify practical means for defining and quantifying soil health in managed turf systems and determine their applicability and value for use by turfgrass practitionersMake progress in addressing common questions regarding soil health management in turf systems:Does enhancing/increasing soil health increase turf quality?Does optimizing soil health increase or decrease turf management costs?Do practices (and products) used to enhance soil health in turf systems increase or decrease inputs of nutrients, water, pest management products, and labor?Can optimization of soil health increase the ability of turf systems to sequester carbon?Can an understanding of/measurement soil health allow for more precise use of nitrogen in turf systems?Does the additional cost (adding another soil test parameter to routine soil testing) of measuring soil health result in quantifiable benefits to consumers - and thus justify the recommendation that it be routinely practiced?Goal 2: Share gains in turfgrass soil health knowledge with the following audiences:in undergraduate turf management course (taught every fall semester)at annual state turfgrass (RMRTA) conference and regional green industry conference (ProGreen)via workshops at the international golf course management (GCSAA) and sports turf management (STMA) conferencesMaster Gardener trainingtrade journal articles and Extension Fact SheetsCSU turf website and state horticulture blogObjectives:Provide professional and lay practitioners with information on turf management practices and products that can enhance soil health and, possibly, turf health100% of all students in HORT341 will learn about the concepts of soil health and how those concepts can be applied to everyday management of lawns, golf courses, and sports turfAt Extension presentations (conferences, Master Gardener training) 80% of surveyed attendees will improve their understanding of soil health managementOf those attending presentations on soil health management for turf systems, 10% will attempt to incorporate testing for soil health and/or management for increased soil health into everyday turf management programsGoal 3: Develop a cost-effective system for evaluating the use of experimental and commercially available fertilizers and amendments (natural organic fertilizers, compost teas, humic acids, biostimulants) and other heavily marketed on soil health and turf quality of managed turfgrass systemsObjectives:Evaluate products and practices for both agronomic effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, allowing consumers to determine whether or not their use makes agronomic and/or economic senseTo be able to answer the basic, frequently asked questions:Can the use of this product or practice measurably improve soil health?Does the use of this product or practice justify their (often) high cost?Present findings on efficacy of soil health management products in Extension presentations, via refereed and trade publications, and on the CSU turf websiteGoal 4: Compare integrated systems (turf species, fertilizer, water, mowing, pest management inputs - both traditional/synthetic and natural/organic) for their potential to provide turf of acceptable quality for home owners, sports turf managers, and golf course superintendents, and other lay and professional turf managers.Objectives:To develop natural/organic turf management options for lawns and professionally managed turf systems that are effective (result in acceptable quality turf), practical (in terms of cost, labor), and sustainable (long-term effectiveness; reasonable long-term costs)To be able to offer homeowners and professional turf managers tested, effective options for natural/organic turf management (fertilizer programs, pest and soil health management tools)To compare natural/organic turf establishment and management programs with traditional management systems - effectiveness, consumer satisfaction, cost, sustainability, and effects on urban soil health

Project Methods
Measurement of Soil HealthThere are many published methods for the measurement of soil respiration and for the determination of N mineralisation including long-term aerobic incubation, in situ field methods, and others (Haney et al., 2008; 2012). These methods are either too time consuming and laborious for commercial labs to perform at a cost effective price or are not adequate for predicting N mineralisation. The 7-day anaerobic N mineralisation method is considered the best biological indicator of potentially available N and is commonly used to compare new N-mineralisation testing methods.The Solvita Soil Respiration System (Solvita) is a new tool to evaluate soil microbial respiration rates in an efficient and cost-effective manner, without the need for reagent handling and long incubation periods. Solvita was designed as a complete procedure to quantify the relative differences between varying types of compost by measuring the amount of CO2 evolved in a short time period. The amount of CO2 evolved is interpreted as an indication of the completeness of active degradation, also called a maturity index. In composts and manures, Solvita has been used in combination with other indices to determine compost maturity and C and N mineralisation. Measured CO2 using Solvita has been strongly correlated with anaerobic N mineralisation (r2 = 0.82). Results indicate that the Solvita Soil Respiration System can be used to rapidly assess soil respiration and relative N mineralisation potential in any given soil and is considerably faster and easier to perform in a laboratory setting than the anaerobic N mineralisation test.We will evaluate the use of the Solvita system for measuring treatment effects on field turfgrass systems. Treatments could include:Fertilizer type (synthetic vs natural organic)Application of humic acids, composts, compost teas, molasses, seaweed extracts and other commonly used (but never evaluated for effectiveness) amendments on turf systemsCommon management practices (clipping addition/removal, core cultivation, mowing height, irrigation frequency, etc.) and their effect on soil respiration and healthTurf species (native vs. introduced) and mixed swards of grasses and legumesOrganic management systems compared to traditional turf management regimesOther Data CollectionAll research would include the collection and analysis of standard turf system data:Quality (color, density, uniformity)Establishment rate (for new studies)Rooting depth and weight (when appropriate)Drought resistance (visual, and using soil moisture measurement - TDR)Stress, using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)Routine soil fertility testingDissemination of Research Findings and ImpactResults will be presented in the introductory turf management course, Master Gardener training, Extension presentations to lay and industry groups; an evaluation tool will be used to measure short-term (immediate) impact of introducing the topic of soil health to these audiencesInformation will be presented on the CSU turf website; Google Analytics will document "hits" and other associated data related to visits to the websiteSuccess stories will be documented and publicized as individuals and/or companies begin to successfully incorporate the concepts of soil health management into their turf management programs

Progress 08/09/16 to 06/30/21

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience(s) never really changed during this project. Interestingly, the ones who I thought would be most interested in the research (professional turf managers: golf, sports turf) expressed the least interest in the topic of soil health management. Home gardeners and students, conversely, where very interested in and receptive to the concepts and use of soil health monitoring and testing. Professional green industry • golf course superintendents • sports turf managers • lawn care professionals • sod producers • other professional landscape managers. Gardening public • Master Gardeners • HOAs • home gardeners Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Interest in the practice of soil health management remains high - and may be as high as it has ever been. As the cost and availability of soil health monitoring and testing becomes easier to access and less expensive, interest in integrating regular testing into management programs will create the need for additional education on the topic. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated to both professional turf managers and the lay public gardener via invited presentations, workshops, field day presentations, webinars, and field demonstrations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Numerous presentations, lectures, webinars, demonstrations, etc. were given to raise awareness of soil health management principles. When surveyed, more than 95% of all respondents indicated an increase in understanding of/appreciation for the topic of soil health management. The Solvita CO2 burst soil respiration test can be used in the field and in the greenhouse to detect treatment effects when assessing the potential for fertilizers, compost topdressing, and some soil amendments/soil "treatments" to improve soil health (measurable change in soil respiration/CO2 burst. Effects of turfgrass management practices on soil health were difficult to assess/discern using the CO2 burst measurement. While there is interest in the topic of soil health measurement and enhancement, the cost of assessing soil health is still so high that it remains an impediment to widespread adoption (of soil health testing) by both professional practitioners and the home gardener. For both professional turf managers and home gardeners, emphasis on the foundations of soil health promotion for urban situations has been readily accepted and appreciated (and is easily accomplished): minimize soil disturbance, maintain a continual live plant/root system, increase plant diversity, and keep the soil covered.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: 5. Ham, J., Aksland, I., Casey, D., Koski, T., & Qian, Y. (2021). Wireless Soil Moisture Measurement in Turfgrass with Internet-of-Things (IoT) Technology and Low-Cost Sensors. Published. https://doi.org/doi:10.13031/irrig.2020-132

Progress 10/01/19 to 09/30/20

Outputs
Target Audience: Nothing Reported Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?There is interest in the use of SSCB and other soil health tests to provide information on the potential for soil amendments (microbial inoculants, soil biostimulants, compost/compost tea use, biochar, organic fertilizers, etc.) to improve soil health. Essentially, can these tests be useful for validating claims made for these products - that their use will measurably enhance soil health and have any positive impact on turf health and quality. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Discussion of soil quality is included in multiple lectures in HORT341 course (undergraduate; Turfgrass Management) Presentations were given to golf course industry (1), sports turf industry (2), and Master Gardeners (1) on soil quality and its measurement. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Develop an idea for using SSCB and other soil health tests to rapidly screen soil amendments (microbial inoculants, soil biostimulants, compost/compost tea use, biochar, organic fertilizers, etc.) for their potential to measurably affect soil respiration, microbial actively, N mineralization, etc. and to elicit a measurable turf response.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? SCB test can effectively and reliably detect turfgrass soils possessing high biological activity, and distinguish between those having higher vs. lower levels of biological activity - via measurement of SMR. This ability to reliably assess SMR and its potential effect on making soil N more available to turf growing on those soils should allow for more accurate programming of N fertilization to maximize turfgrass quality, traffic tolerance, drought resistance, and pest resistance. We believe that the SSCB test can accurately detect low-mineralization sites that justify higher levels of N fertilization.

Publications

Progress 10/01/18 to 09/30/19

Outputs
Target Audience:Professional green industry golf course superintendents sports turf managers lawn care professionals sod producers other professional landscape managers. Gardening public Master Gardeners HOAs home gardeners Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? More education (or different ways of conveying the knowledge) on the concept of soil health testing and its potential benefitsare needed to increase understanding of it and confidence in what it can provide. There is interest in the use of SSCB and other soil health tests to provide information on the potential for soil amendments (microbial inoculants, soil biostimulants, compost/compost tea use, biochar, organic fertilizers, etc.) to improve soil health. Essentially, can these tests be useful for validating claims made for these products - that their use will measurably enhance soil health and have any positive impact on turf health and quality. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Discussion of soil quality is included in multiple lectures in HORT341 course (undergraduate; Turfgrass Management) Presentations were given to golf course industry (1), sports turf industry (2), and Master Gardeners (1) on soil quality and its measurement. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Develop an idea for using SSCB and other soil health tests to rapidly screen soil amendments (microbial inoculants, soil biostimulants, compost/compost tea use, biochar, organic fertilizers, etc.) for their potential to measurably affect soil respiration, microbial actively, N mineralization, etc. and to elicit a measurable turf response. Examine effects of soil sampling depth on SSCB results when testing swards of different turf species, Does depth of rooting - which can differ greatly between species, or within species depending on management intensity - affect the results of SSCB?

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Background and Rationale for this Work Despitethe many technological advances in the turf management industry, the fertilization of turfgrass areas (particularly the use of nitrogen fertilizers) - golf courses, sports turf, lawns - is still, in many ways, an inexact science. Because fertilization of turf is not based on yield goals, as with agronomic crops, nitrogen timing and quantity is based on either subjective assessment of quality (turf color, density) or done on a routine (calendar-based) schedule. The use of subjective and/or calendar-based fertilization can result in either insufficient or excessive nitrogen application, with potential negative results for turf quality and/or environmental impacts (leaching, runoff, volatilization, denitrification, etc.). Increased interest in the use of soil quality testing is making it easier to have conversations with turf professionals about the more timely and effective use of fertilizers and other soil management amendments. The development and use of rapid, accurate, cost-effective, and reliable soil health assessment tests will be valuable for providing turf management professionals and, ultimately, home gardeners, with information that can help increase soil health and reduce the negative environmental impacts of incorrect or careless fertilization and other soil management practices. Although there are several tests that can measure various forms of soil nitrogen (N), none are currently used to guide N fertilization of turfgrasses (because of poor accuracy and/or repeatability, sampling difficulty, and cost of analysis). The lack of an objective test to estimate a soil's N supplying power during the growing season has resulted in turfgrass N fertilization practices that are based on subjective visual assessments or those that follow historical patterns (same amount, scheduled at the same time(s) every growing season). Without an objective guide that adjusts N recommendations for different species, environments, use intensities, and considering other management practices (irrigation amount and quality, pest issues, etc.), current fertilization practices are essentially "guessing" at what amount or rate of N is required to meet growth and/or quality goals. Several soil microbial CO2 respiration (SMR) tests have been reported to correlate well with soil tests for labile or mineralizable N - N forms that are usable by plants for growth and development. The use of SMR measurement may, with correlation and refinement, provide a means for predicting turfgrass N fertility requirements and response to N fertilizer application. Although soils with high SMR may not always provide high/effective levels of usable N, the correlation between SMR and biological N release is frequently strong. Testing for SMR could be relatively reliable for predicting N availability via mineralization - and thus useful for turfgrass N programming, while reducing potential negative environmental impacts due to N losses that can result from excessive/unnecessary N fertilization. One SMR test, the Solvita CO2-Burst test, was initially designed to quantify the relative differences in CO2 respiration between compost sources. Its use for easy and rapid measurement of CO2 respiration in soils was recognized soon after its introduction for compost testing. Now a mainstay of soil quality testing programs, the Solvita Soil CO2-Burst (SSCB) test takes only 24 hours to complete and can be conducted at room temperature. For measurement of soil CO2 respiration, the SSCB test has been tested in many crop and grassland systems. The SSCB test has been shown to be positively and significantly correlated with soil organic matter levels, soil total organic N, soil N mineralization, soil water-extractable organic C and N (indicators of soil fertility and quality), soil phosphorous availability. If the SSCB (a simple, relatively inexpensive, and reliable test) can reliably predict a soil's N mineralization potential, it would be greatly useful for developing more accurate N fertilization recommendations for turfgrass. Such a test could reduce the chance of under- or overfertilization of the turfgrass, and help eliminate the negative consequences of poor N management decisions. Insufficient or excessive N applications, or improperly timed applications, can lead to poor quality turf or economic and environmental quality losses and can increase the incidence and severity of weeds or disease problems. Accomplishments The SSCB test can effectively and reliably detect turfgrass soils possessing high biological activity, and distinguish between those having higher vs. lower levels of biological activity - via measurement of SMR. This ability to reliably assess SMR and its potential effect on making soil N more available to turf growing on those soils should allow for more accurate programming of N fertilization to maximize turfgrass quality, traffic tolerance, drought resistance, and pest resistance. We believe that the SSCB test can accurately detect low-mineralization sites that justify higher levels of N fertilization. Time of year appears to be an important testing consideration. Most routine soil testing done by turf professionals (golf courses, sod farms, athletic fields) is done in the fall or early spring. More work is needed to assess optimal time for implementing the SSCB test. The SSCB test would fit in easily with current routine soil testing procedures. However, cost of the test (depending on how many samples are taken) was suggested as a possible impediment to routine (annual or more often) use by over 80% of respondents in 2019 (results below). Confidence in results or uncertainty about how to use the results of SSCB were a concern of over 90% of respondents in the 2019 survey. The 2019 survey indicated a high (greater the 50%) level of skepticism about the validity of soil health testing and "what the numbers can tell me about my soil"; more proof is need to increase confidence in the concept and value of soil health testing.

Publications

• Type: Book Chapters Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2020 Citation: Alison Stoven OConnor*, James E. Klett and Anthony J. Koski. 2020. Container Type Affects Nursery Production and Landscape Establishment of Pyrus calleryana Glens Form (Chanticleer�). In The Landscape Below Ground IV. International Society of Arboriculture.

Progress 10/01/17 to 09/30/18

Outputs
Target Audience:Professional green industry: golf course superintendents, sports turf managers, lawn care professionals, other professional landscape managers. Taught workshops and gave presentations on the topic of soil health and its measurement. What soil health means, how to measure it, and what optimizing soil health can do to improve turf quality and performance. Master Gardeners: How a basic understanding of soil health can help home gardeners improve landscape plant health - possibly allowing reductions in pesticide and fertilizer use. Changes/Problems:Most important challenges for research soil health in turf management: Cost of testing. The Solvita sytems/tests are quick and relatively easy to use, but are expensive on a per/sample basis. Relating the numbers to turf quality Unlike crop testing, effects on turf quality are more elusive to document and measure - and to convince clientele that they are meaningful. Continued testing and teaching will probably resolve this issue, as more people understand soil health and its measurement. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?I have begun attending presentations and workshops on soil health measurement at the Tri-Society meetings. To my knowledge, I am the only turf person who attends these sessions (though a few colleagues are now giving presentations at turf conferences on the topic). How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Have given a number of workshops on soil health and its measurement and meaning, as well as a number of Powerpoint presentations. Also have taught the topic in introductory turf management class and in intro horticulture class. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Continue testing and refinement of methodology for turf systems. Have been in conversation with Solvita personnel. Will begin testing the Solvita IRTH respirometer system, which allows the measurement of CO2 burst and/or base respiration over a 24 hour period, to several days. This system can allow measurement on undisturbed (unprocessed) soil cores - to preserve field characteristics and to measure effects on undisturbed soil profiles (golf greens, for example). In fact, this system may allow for measurement of intact soil cores WITH living turf still on the sample - so allowing measurement of an intact turf system.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Goal 1: Assess methods of quantifying and measuring soil health in turfgrass systems, and identify practical, cost-effective methods for determining soil health for the turfgrass practitioner Assessing Solvita field CO2 test for ability to measure effects of basic turf management practices on FIELD soil respiration - as one potential indicator of management effects on soil health. Cost of individual tests and repeatability (spatial variability) are concerns both for researchers and potential clients (green industry) - especially in light of "what do the numbers mean" and how to translate them into enhancement of turf quality. Similarly assessing the Solvita CO2 burst method of measuring soil respiration. Soil grinding and wetting procedure appears to be vital to reducing variability. This test has to be done in the lab; not practical for use in the field for "quick assessments" of soil respiration/quality. As with the field test for CO2, the expense of individual tests could pose an impediment to widespread use. Goal 2: Share gains in turfgrass soil health knowledge with client audiences Do this at every opportunity; gave a number of workshops on soil quality and Powerpoint presentations on the topic. There is high interest in the topic, but the cost of individual tests is prohibitive for many - as well as the lack of correlation with turf quality measurements Goal 3: Develop a cost-effective system for evaluating the use of experimental and commercially available fertilizers and amendments (natural organic fertilizers, compost teas, humic acids, biostimulants) and other heavily marketed on soil health and turf quality of managed turfgrass systems If I can develop a level of confidence that using the various Solvita tests can effectively detect treatment differences in respiration and soil labile amino nitrogen It's unlikely that product effects on soil health ACROSS different soils can be done - but effects on individual soils - individual fairways, constructed root zones (greens, athletic fields) - may be achievable Effects of products on soil health indices still have to be correlated to enhanced turf performance Goal 4: Compare integrated systems (turf species, fertilizer, water, mowing, pest management inputs - both traditional/synthetic and natural/organic) for their potential to provide turf of acceptable quality for home owners, sports turf managers, and golf course superintendents, and other lay and professional turf managers. Same as with goal 3. Even if management and/or product effects on soil respiration/soil health indices can be measured, "marketing" the importance and value to the green industry may be difficult (especially if cost of testing remains a barrier for many).

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Container Type Affects Root Development of Chanticleer Pear (Pyrus calleryana ⿿Glen⿿s Form⿿) During Landscape Establishment. 2018. OConnor, A., J.E. Klett, and A.J. Koski. Arboriculture & Urban Forestry. 44(4):165⿿173.

Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17

Outputs
Target Audience: undergraduate turf management course (taught every fall semester; incorporate soil quality factors into many lectures) undergraduate introductory horticulture course (lecture on soil quality) at annual state turfgrass (RMRTA) conference (presentation on soil quality) regional Nebraska/Wyoming/Colorado workshop (presentation on soil quality) Master Gardener training (soil quality factors introduced into turf/lawn management curriculum) Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?1. Introduced horticulture agents to soil health concepts via subject matter updates 2. Attended multiple soil health sessions at Tri-Society meetings in 2017 and have become member of the ASA Soil Health Community 3. Submitted SCRI grant proposal to examine the soil biome of degraded soils following installation of turfgrass sod (joint proposal with U. of Nebraska and Rutgers University) How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Shared gains in turfgrass soil health knowledge soil health taught in undergraduate turf management course (taught every fall semester) soil health lecture given in introductory horticultural science course soil health talk given at annual state turfgrass (RMRTA) conference soil health talk given atregional green industry conference (NE/CO/WY regional turf conference) soil health concepts incorporated into Master Gardener training turf/lawn curriculum What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Have identified 2 new golf courses that will allow me to monitor and assess changes in soil health - comparing non-disturbed soil with disturbed/constructed areas of the courses as they are grown-in and mature. 2. Have identified a park system that is partially managed using organic methods - which will allow comparison of soils managed "conventionally" vs. organically. 3. Will compare soils (both in field and in greenhouse) amended with popular soil amendments (including microbial amendments) to assess/measure any effects on soil health.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Conduct a literature review of the scientific knowledge regarding soil health assessment of urban (anthropogenic) soils - especially of managed turf systems Identify practical means for defining and quantifying soil health in managed turf systems and determine their applicability and value for use by turfgrass practitioners clipping yield turf quality organic carbon water soluble carbon soil CO2 burst (Solvita) labile amino nitrogen (Solvita) aggregate stability texture pH P K micronutrients (Fe, Mn) penetration resistance bulk density electrical conductivity base saturation saturated conductivity plant available water Shared gains in turfgrass soil health knowledge soil health taught in undergraduate turf management course (taught every fall semester) soil health lecture given in introductory horticultural science course soil health talk given at annual state turfgrass (RMRTA) conference soil health talk given at regional green industry conference (NE/CO/WY regional turf conference) soil health concepts incorporated into Master Gardener training turf/lawn curriculum

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2018 Citation: OConnor,A.S., J. E. Klett, and A. J. Koski. 2018. Container type affects root development of Chanticleer pear (Pyrus calleryana Glens Form) during landscape establishment. Int. Soc. Arboriculture.

Progress 08/09/16 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:The main target audience to this point in time has been the professional golf management and sports turf management sectors of the green industry. I have given Extension presentations and research updates describing the concept of "soil health" as it would apply to turf management - and the benefits of understanding and promoting soil health. We are currently identifying sites to implement turf research onsite: courses or sports turf facilities that have implemented organic practices, courses in close proximity with vastly different ages and/or management regimes/intensities, and sites with different grass species swards that were established at the same time and have been managed in similar fashions. The concept of soil health will be introduced in Colorado Master Gardener training in 2017 - understanding what it is, what it can mean to the home gardener, and how to implement practices in the home landscape to enhance soil health. Changes/Problems:No major changes in approach at this point - since the project is essentially in its infancy. We are in the learning curve stage at the present time. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We will begin onsite testing and sampling to evaluate the different tests and procedures currently used to measure soil health - with the hope of determining precision and accuracy of the methods for detecting treatment effects. The preliminary results will be reported at professional meetings (Tri-Society and/or ASHS/horticulture meetings in 2017).

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Literature review has been conducted and is ongoing - to identify tools and tests that can be effectively and efficiently (time and cost) used to provide reliable and repeatable measures of soil health in managed turf systems. Have surveyed professional turf managers for interest in the idea of measuring - and improving - soil health. Have contacted colleagues who are assessing soil health in other states - to reduce the learning curve in implementing a program and testing to measure soil health - what to do, what not to do (which tests work, which are less helpful). Developing a list of cooperators where we can begin sampling, implementing research ideas, and learning how best to measure soil health - in ways that make sense for the end user. Attempting to find research partners (and funding) among the suppliers of natural organic fertilizers, supplemented fertilizers, soil amendments, etc.

Publications